Providing a Health and Wellness Resource Guide to Senior Patients in Western Connecticut

Desai, Pooja T

Item

Providing a Health and Wellness Resource Guide to Senior Patients in Western Connecticut

Desai, Pooja T

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Senior patients (>60 years) have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and other co-morbidities, when compared with younger patient populations. In the Primary Care setting, prevention and control of health problems of elderly patients necessitates a multifaceted approach incorporating active collaboration of health, social welfare, rural and urban development, and legal sectors. Through research and community outreach, I found that identifying available senior resources was an important need in the Western Connecticut community. My interviews and research guided the creation of an informational handout on the available resources for senior patients. Resources incorporate many aspects of health, including fitness and wellness, housing, socialization and recreation, medical needs, medical equipment and technology, support groups, and transportation. This handout was given to all patients ages 60 and older.